How to Have a Socially Distant Fourth of July

Since the typical Fourth of July festivities involve crowds, celebrating Independence Day in 2020 will look a little different. You don’t have to let the pandemic put a damper on your celebration, though! Check out four of our favorite ways to party while avoiding COVID-19.

Enjoy Some Fireworks

A few cities throughout the Brazos Valley are hosting fireworks shows for the holiday. When attending, stay in your car to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Bryan - The Texas A&M RELLIS campus will be having a fireworks show that begins at 9 p.m. Find more details here.
• Brenham - Beginning at 9 p.m., the City of Brenham will have fireworks. They recommend parking at Old Baylor Park or the parking at the Independence Town Square on FM 390. Find more details here.

If you plan on driving to see fireworks, make sure to have a set designated driver before the festivities begin.

Host a Backyard Barbecue

Celebrate Independence Day with a cookout right at home! Limit the guest list to housemates to keep the celebration small and reduce the risk of catching COVID-19. Fire up the grill and roast hot dogs and hamburgers. For dessert, we recommend making patriotic parfaits: gather a few small cups and add a layer of fresh blueberries, a layer of non-fat greek yogurt, and a layer of fresh strawberries to each.

Chill Out With a Socially Distant Block Party

Spend some quality time with your neighbors at a socially distant block party! Families should stay on their lawns to maintain a safe amount of distance, but you can still play music, catch up, and enjoy each other’s company. Use an app like Nextdoor, send out texts, or post a message to a neighborhood Facebook group letting your neighbors know what time the festivities will begin.

Experience Nature With a Campout

If you and your family are used to going on vacation over the long weekend, try hosting a campout in your backyard. Set up a tent, pull out sleeping bags, and spend the night telling ghost stories and recalling favorite memories.

Our team at St. Joseph Health wishes you a happy and healthy Fourth of July. You and your family can feel confident in knowing we’re here to provide the care you need, whenever you need it. Having established the highest safety protocols, our clinics and hospitals are open so you can keep your health on track. For minor injury and illness, you can schedule a virtual visit with a St. Joseph and Texas A&M Health Network primary care physician.

Sources:
KAGS | Fourth of July 2020: Events in the Brazos Valley